Loss To Chelsea Is A 'Big Blow' For Arsenal - Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that his side were handed a "big blow" with respect to their title challenge, following the 3-0 loss to Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners are now 11 points behind Carlo Ancelotti's men, albeit with a game in hand. But the Frenchman admits that the uphill task of gaining ground on the league leaders has only become steeper.

The former Monaco boss insisted that the loss to Sunderland had dented the players' confidence, which in turn enabled the visitors to get on top.

"Yeah, we are 11 points behind Chelsea," Wenger said on the club's official website.

"At the moment our title chase has gotten a big blow.

"Before we speak about ‘title’, we have to win games and you could see that the damage done at Sunderland was deeper, confidence-wise, than it should have been."

Despite the result, Wenger believes that all is not lost, as he feels the Blues will drop points as the season progresses.

"I believe at the moment they are in a very strong position, but this team, for me, they can drop points," he said.

"I’m convinced of that. That’s an impression I have."